Birdie and the Beast

Chapter 5: The Portrait and the Cornflower

Not long after the argument with the Beast, Matthew began to get hungry. He hadn't eaten anything at all since breakfast, and the coffee had only pacified him for a little while. Remembering what Antonio said about maybe having maple syrup in the kitchens, Matthew decide to look around the castle to see if he could find the kitchens and maybe make himself something to eat.

Opening the door and peeking out, Matthew saw that the coast was clear and ventured out into the long hallway. On his way, he passed by a red curtain that hid Francis and Michelle the feather duster, who were both supposed to be guarding Matthew's room, but had ended up…distracted. At least, Francis had.

"Francis! Stop groping me! You singed my feathers last time."

"Non, mon cherie, you are enjoying it, I know."

"You're an old pervert!"

"I'm not old! I am merely well-aged, like good wine."

"Get away from me!"

"Ohonhonhonhonhon." There was a loud smacking sound and Michelle flounced away from the curtain. Francis was about to pursue her, but stopped when he caught sight of Matthew just as he turned the corner.

"Mon dieu! 'e has left ze room!" Francis began following Matthew to the kitchens where Antonio was trying to convince a resistant Lovino to go to bed in the cupboard with the other mugs.

"For the last time, I'm not tired!"

"Lovino, it's your bedtime. If you keep this up, I won't share my tomatoes with you when we become human again."

Lovino finally leapt into the cupboard where he fell asleep almost instantly, muttering "Good night, jerk."

Antonio smiled at the mug before turning his attention to Arthur who was still upset about the fight between Matthew and the Master.

"-and if you want my opinion, he was just being stubborn, after all the Master used the word 'please' for the first time since anyone can remember."

Matthew opened the door just as Antonio was saying, "But if the Master can't be more humble, then he'll never break the cur-"

"Spleeeendid to see you out of your room!" Arthur cried, seeing Matthew and trying to talk over Antonio. "My name is Arthur Kirkland, head of the household-"

He bowed only to be knocked down by Francis who took Matthew's hand (being careful not to burn it) and kissed it.

"-and this is Francis Bonnefoy, the maître 'd, and this biggest pervert you will ever meet." Arthur said shortly.

"Mon ami, clearly you do not remember your drunk exploits."

"Why I ought to-!" Arthur suddenly remembered Matthew's presence and turned back to him. "Anyway, is there anything we can do for you?

"I'm Matthew, and actually, I'm kinda hungry." Matthew stomach rumbled loudly, legitimizing his dilemma.

Antonio was ecstatic. "You heard what he said! He's hungry! Tell the stove to stoke up the fire and wake up the dishes and cutlery!"

"But what about the Master?" Arthur was worried.

"What 'e doesn't know won't 'urt 'him."

"Oh all right, but if we are going to feed him, we might as well feed him the finest cuisine we have. I shall go make some tea and scones.

"NON! Arthur, 'e is a guest! Your food would poison 'im. It's even worse zan prison food!" Francis motioned to Matthew, leading him to a large, empty dinning hall.